Representatives of the Philadelphia Archeparchy Participate in UGCC Youth Leaders Forum in the United States

The delegates brought different levels of experience in working with young people. Some are considering establishing a youth community, others are taking their first steps in bringing young people together, while several have already founded communities and accompanied them for years as leaders or spiritual advisors. This diversity of experience encouraged mutual learning, the exchange of ideas and the exploration of approaches that could be applied at the parish and eparchial levels.

The first day focused on introductions, open dialogue and sharing experiences. Following communal prayer and the official opening, delegates presented the work of their respective eparchies, discussed achievements and challenges and learned about youth ministry in other communities. Deacon Andriy Kuzhavskyi delivered a presentation titled "Young People and the Church Today: What Is a Young Person Really Looking For?" Working in mixed teams, participants discussed the needs of young people and proposed specific initiatives, including retreats, interparish gatherings and ways to renew engagement in local communities.

Bishop Bohdan Danylo also participated in the Forum and its discussions, contributing to the dialogue and encouraging continued collaboration among delegates. The second day focused on practical approaches to youth ministry. Fr. Ihor Darmohrai, a representative of the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of Chicago, delivered a presentation titled "From Events to Community: How to Build Youth Ministry That Lasts." The discussion explored how to move beyond organizing individual events toward establishing sustainable communities where young people can deepen their faith, find support and actively participate in the life of the Church.

A significant part of the program was a presentation by the Sisters of the Congregation of the Incarnate Word, led by Mother Maria-Veronica, on practical aspects of youth catechesis in a parish setting. Drawing on their experience, the Sisters discussed organizing catechetical formation, passing on the faith and providing spiritual accompaniment to young people. Their systematic approach and practical insights made a valuable contribution to discussions about strengthening catechetical and youth ministry.

That day, delegates also met with high school students and joined in praying the Rosary as part of the "A Million Children Praying the Rosary" initiative. The gathering highlighted the importance of personal encounters, communal prayer and encouraging young people to become more involved in the life of the Church.

Throughout the Forum, participants worked on the "Youth Ministry Roadmap for the UGCC in the United States," establishing a shared vision of priorities and areas of focus for the coming year. Their discussions identified opportunities for cooperation among eparchies, support for existing communities and the development of new initiatives.

Olena Korendiy, Chair of the Metropolitan Youth Committee, emphasized the importance of ongoing cooperation among eparchies and creating an environment where young people can find like-minded peers, deepen their faith and nurture their Christian and Ukrainian identity.

On the final day, Fr. Ostap Mykytyn delivered a presentation titled "Called to Serve: The Youth Leader as Disciple and Missionary." He focused on the spiritual life of a leader, the importance of prayer, a personal relationship with God, inner motivation and self-care to prevent burnout in ministry.

"In my view, youth ministry begins with the personal witness of a leader - someone who knows who has called them to serve and understands the mission entrusted to them. At the same time, this journey involves continually learning from young people: listening to them, being present with them, and seeking to better understand their experiences, questions, and needs. It is important to me that youth ministry not be limited to organizing events. Behind every initiative is a young person who wants to be heard, find their place in the Church, and grow in faith. Our task is not only to organize gatherings, but also to build communities where young people feel supported, encounter Christ, and actively participate in the life of the Church," said Fr. Ostap Mykytyn.

The organizers and participants expressed their gratitude to Bishop Paul Chomnycky, Seminary Rector Fr. Bohdan Tymchyshyn and the entire seminary staff for their hospitality and care throughout the gathering.

The Forum concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy and a visit to the cathedral of the Stamford Eparchy. The program also included opportunities for informal conversations and learning about local history and culture, helping strengthen connections among representatives of different eparchies.

The priorities developed during the gathering will serve as a foundation for continued cooperation and joint initiatives aimed at supporting young people, deepening their spiritual lives and encouraging their active participation in the life of the UGCC in the United States.